■iiiiimi^ii iiiiiiii^ li nini i i iii iiiifciiiiiiii ■ -ii n fir 

PN BM 



P+D* 





• 



<s> 









.. .y 



lll lil ll I I I ■■ 



BiWJWiiBHSwWft 



t^^:-,-. ,.„^„ ,.„■,„ . .,.,„.,,...,. .... ., ,.. , jjJ§^M^M^^^M^^^^^^«M 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

ffljpqu.1.- &wW $*♦ 

Shelf l£±- 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



Wsm&J* 



mm 



V 19 itkid 







* leep, baby, sleep ! 
Thy father watches 
his sheep ; 

Thy mother is shaking the dreamland tree, 
And down comes a little dream on thee. 
Sleep, baby, sleep! 



ittle @ompMents% Reason, 



AND OTHER 



Qxmi ^twjmes fox %m% %zxt&zxs. 



SIMPLE VERSES, ORIGINAL, SELECTED, OR TRANSLATED, 
FOR NAMEDAYS, BIRTHDAYS, CHRISTMAS, NEW- 
YEAR, AND OTHER P^ESTIVE AND 
SOCIAL OCCASIONS. 



BY / 

/ 




" NOV '? 1886^ 

New York, Cincinnati, and St. Louis : 

BENZIGER BROTHERS, 

PRINTERS TO THE HOLY APOSTOLIC SEE. 
1887. 






Copyright, 1886, by Benziger Brothers. 



M 



DEDICATION. 



®o tlje igolg Mnnounte. 

These little gems of Compliments, 

Of tiny Rhymes and true, 
With love intense, sweet Innocents, 

We offer unto you. 

In purer climes, these festal times, 
Be Childhood's gentle pleaders; 
And while ye bless these tiny Rhymes, 
Bless, too, their tiny readers. 

E. C. D 
Philadelphia: 

Feast of the Holy Innocents, 1885. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Publishers' Preface . . . . . .11 

Little Compliments of the Season. 

The Youngest Child to the Family on Christmas Eve . 13 

To One's Parents . .' . . . 14 

On Christmas Morning . . . . . 14 

Children to their Parents on Christmas Morning, with a 
Gift of Fruit and Flowers .... 15 

From a Little Child to its Teacher on Christmas Eve . 16 

To Grandmamma, with a Christmas Cake . . 16 

To an Aunt . . . . . . .17 

To a Brother, with a Christmas Box of Writing-paper 17 

To a Sister, with a Vase . . . .17 

To Grandpapa, with a Little Lamp . . . .18 

To a Little Sister . . . . .18 

With a Statue of St. Joseph . . . . .18 

To an Aunt, with the Gift of a Needle-case . . 18 

To a Priest, from his Sunday-school Children, with a Gift 
of a Pyx case . . . . . . 19 

To an Orphan Cousin . . . . . 19 

To One who has had Great Troubles . . . 19 

A Little Child to his Grandfather or Grandmother . 20 

A Little Child's New-Year Wish to an Aunt , . 20 

To the Family ...... 20 

A Little Boy to his Parents . . . . .21 

To Grandmamma on New-Year's Day . . . 22 

New- Year's Greeting to Parents who have Lost and Suf- 
fered Much . . . . . . .22 

New-Year Wish ...... 22 

A Little Boy's New-Year Wish . . . -23 

Little Children to their Parents .... 24 

To Grandfather . . . . . .24 



CONTENTS. 



With the Gift of a Cup ..... 24 

A Child to its Widowed Mother, the First New-Year's Day 
after its Father's Death . . . . .25 

Children to their Mother, with Birthday Flowers . 25 

Mamma's Birthday Bouquet, made up by Papa from the 
Family Flowers . . . . . .26 

To an Elder Brother, with a Birthday Gift . . 31 

With a Bouquet . . . . . -32 

A Child's Birthday Greeting to a Mother who has had 
Great Sorrows ...... 33 

A Very Little Boy to Papa on his Name-day . . 33 

A Name-day Greeting to an Aunt ... 34 

An Easter Wish . . . . . -34 

Another Easter Wish ..... 35 

With an Easter Rabbit . . . . -35 

A Child to its Father and Mother on their Wedding Anni- 
versary ....... 35 

To Mamma on her Feast-day . . . • 3° 

Children to their Mother on her Recovery from Sickness 37 
The Same to a Father on his Return from a Journey . 37 
The School-children to their Pastor on his Silver Jubilee, 
presenting a Silver Altar-lamp . . . .38 

The Sunday-school Children to a Priest (Religious Sister 
or Brother), on the Occasion of a Golden Jubilee . 39 

Other Tiny Rhymes for Tiny Readers. 



I. 


With the Babies. 




Lullaby 




. 41 


Netty and the Roses 


. 


43 


Papa's Pet 




• 44 


Wait ! 


. 


45 


Her First Christmas . 




. 46 


The New Baby 


. 


47 


Five Little Chickens . 


. 


. 48 


Nobody . 


. 


50 


The Parrot . 


• • 


• 5i 



CONTENTS. 


9 




PAGE 


Fresh from the Fair 


51 


Come here, Little Robin 


. 52 


Maud and May .... 


53 


When I am Big 


• 54 


Finger-song . 


55 


My Good-for-nothing 


• 56 


The Mouse . 


56 


My Possessions .... 


. 58 


The Sandman . . 


59 


The Baby tells what became of the Little Fishe 


5 . .60 


Cradle-song . 


61 


You Dirty Boy .... 


. 61 


II. At Play. 




Coasting ..... 


. 63 


Winter Jewels .... 


64 


Her Ladyship .... 


. 65 


A New Mother Hubbard 


66 


The Gingerbread Cat 


. 67 


I Like Little Pussy 


69 


A Penny to Spend . . 


. 70 


A May Party .... 


72 


Gran'ma Al'as Does .... 


. 73 


Reading the News 


74 


Gold and Green .... 


. 77 


Work and Play .... 


77 


An Old Rat's Tale .... 


. 79 


Goosie in the Garden 


80 


Naughty Nan .... 


. 81 


Camping Out .... 


82 


The Horse-shoe .... 


. 84 


Song of the Pear-tree 


85 


A " Forty-graff !" .... 


. 87 


The Hay-field . . . 


88 


The Little Drill-Master 


. 89 


Dog and Doves . 


90 


Truth ...... 


. 91 



IO 



CONTENTS. 



Sulky Jenny 
The Lost Child 
A Vain Frog 
Santa's Comin'! 



III. At Work. 



A Queer Kind of School 

Which Loved Best?. 

What the Clock says 

Holi-o-ho! 

The Chickens 

For Good and Bad . 

A Little Boy's Troubles 

Spring Song 

Polly's Cross 

The Gardener's Grandchlid 

Get Up! . 

A Doll in Disgrace . 

In the Corn-field 

Learn your Lesson . 

Tiny Tender-heart 

The Birds . 

Glad to Get Off . 

Roses Red and Lilies White 

Two and One 



IV. At Prayer, 
A Little Boy's Morning Hymn 
The Guardian Angel 
Holy Communion .... 
Grace before Meals 

A Little Girl's Hymn to the Blessed Virgin 
The Guardian Angel to the Little Girls 
A Child's Evening Prayer . 
Morning Hymn for a Little Girl 



PAGE 
9 2 

94 
95 
96 



97 
98 

99 
100 
102 
103 
104 
105 
106 
107 
108 
no 
in 
112 

113 
114 
116 

117 
118 



119 
120 
122 
122 
123 
125 
127 
128 



$vMteUevs? guef ac*. 



There is probably no family or school that 
has not at some time felt the need of just such 
verses as are here offered. 

On birthdays, Namedays (the feast of one's 
Patron Saint), Christmas, New-Year's, and other 
religious or domestic festivals the joyfulness of 
the occasion or the value of some trifling gift 
would be greatly enhanced if accompanied by a 
few well-chosen words suited to the capacity of a 
little child. But it is in vain we. search for such; 
for though many are to be found in French and 
German, there is, as far as we know, nothing of 
the kind in English. 

We feel, then, that we and the Catholic public 
are under no small obligation to the gifted lady 
who has consented to write or select these u Little 
Compliments of the Season." Almost every festi- 
val is here provided for; and by a simple change 
of a word or two the verses may be made to suit 
other occasions than those for which they were 
written. 



12 PREFACE. 

In addition to the " Compliments," the author 

has, under the several titles of "With the Babies," 

"At Play," "At Work," and "At Prayer," given 

other pleasant rhymes, original or selected, which, 

we are satisfied, will be appreciated by the little 

ones for whom they are written. That all may 

prove useful and acceptable is the belief and hope 

of 

The Publishers. 




IrtWLE C0MPMPEJWS 0E ¥PE ^E^©]*. 



The Youngest Child to the Family on Christmas 

Eve. 

I'm very small, 
Yet I wish to all, 
On this sweet Christmas night, 
Much happiness, 
Much joy and bliss, 
And a New Year merry and bright ! 

— From the German. 



14 LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 

To One's Parents. 

Come to the Crib, dear parents, 
As shepherds came of old, 

To offer to the Holy Child 
The lambkins of your fold; 

And our good Lord will bless them, 
And lead them in His way; 

And from His shrine, the Babe Divine 
Will crown our Christmas Day! 

On Christmas Morning. 

Welcome, welcome, best of days ! 

Holy feast and bright! 
Shining through the cloudy year, 

Like a pleasant light 

Christmas! in thy very name 
Jesus seems to say: 
" Little children, come and hear 
Mass on Christmas* Day!" 

* Christmas means Christ's mass. 




LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 



15 



Children to their Parents on Christmas Morn- 
ing, with a Gift of Fruit and Flowers. 

Dear father, dear mother, pray tell us the cause 
Of that racket last night, and that knocking, 

When, down the old chimney, the dear Santa Claus 
Came creeping to fill up each stocking. 




You don't know the reason ? Then, while you stand 
mute, 

We'll tell you this secret of ours : 
Old Santa brought mother this basket of fruit, 

And you, dearest father, these flowers ! 



1 6 LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 



A Little Child to its Teacher on Christmas 
Eve. 

To-day we close our happy school; 
To-day we miss thy loving rule. 

We part, but when vacation's o'er 
We'll meet again, I hope, once more. 

And ere we go, both girls and boys 
Must wish thee all the season's joys. 

A Christmas fair, a year of glee, 
O teacher dear, we ask for thee ! 



To Grandmamma, with a Christmas Cake. 

Dear grandma, while I make my bow 

Before thy easy-chair; 
This Christmas Day to God we pray, 

To keep thee from all care. 

I beg thee take this pretty cake, 

With all its ribbons gay, 
And may this be, indeed, for thee, 

A merry Christmas Day ! 



LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON 1 7 



To an Aunt. 

Upon our charming Christmas tree 
The blessed Christ-Child stands, 

And gifts for thee, and gifts for me, 
Are in His shining hands. 

But oh ! the sweetest gift He brings, 
Dear aunt, to thee and thine, 

Was born with Him (the King of kings), 
A peace and love divine. 



To a Brother, with a Christmas Box of Writ- 
ing-paper. 

Here, dear brother, is a very 
Useful gift of stationery. 
On this paper, pure and white, 
Purest thoughts your pen must write 



To a Sister, with a Vase. 

If you have no flowers to place 
In this pretty china vase, 
Let, at least, your heart-vase be 
Filled with flowers of piety. 



1 8 LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 



To Grandpapa, with a Little Lamp. 

This lovely little lamp be thine 
To burn before our Lady's shrine. 



To a Little Sister. 

Let me wish thee, little love, 
Every blessing from above. 
This a happy Christmas be, 
This a New Year bright for thee; 
In the Christ-Child's peace divine, 
Every joy and grace be thine ! 



With a Statue of St. Joseph. 

The Foster-father of our Lord, 
Our Blessed Lady's guide, — 

Whatever grace you ask through him 
Will never be denied. 



To an Aunt, with the Gift of a Needle-case. 

May this little useful gift 

Your work-box, aunt, enrich, 

And a wish of childish love 
Go with every stitch. 



LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 1 9 

To a Priest, from his Sunday-school Children, 
with a Gift of a Pyx-case. 

A case for the holy Pyx, 

Wherein our Lord shall rest, 

When borne to the suffring and the sick, 
Upon your priestly breast. 

To-day, dear Reverend Father, 
Our Christmas off ring take; 

Our Lord will bless this sacred gift, 
Then wear it for His sake! 

To an Orphan Cousin. 

Not "Merry Christmas!" will I say 
To thee on this first Christmas Day 

Since thy dear parent's death; 
But I will say, instead, to thee, 
May Christmas Day most blessed be, 
And all its hours (as fast they flee), 

Be full of peace and faith! 

To One who has had Great Troubles. 

Though clouds across thy Christmas skies 
Have cast their shadows dark and drear, 
May God's fair sunshine soon arise, 
And light and peace from Paradise 
Make glad thy fresh New-Year! 



LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 



A Little Child to his Grandfather or Grand- 
mother. 

Happy New-Year, grandpapa! 

Hear the sweet bells ringing; 
Little angels, grandpapa, 

In the skies are singing. 

Bells and angels, grandpapa, 

With your grandchild's greeting, 

Happy New- Year, grandpapa! 
Are to-day repeating. 



A Little Child's New- Year Wish to an Aunt. 

This very little wish 
With gladness I bring here: 
"Oh! may this be, 
Dear aunt, to thee, 
A good and bright New- Year!'' 

— From the German. 



To the Family. 

Another spotless page is turned 
In the dusty book of Time; 

And softly on the frosty air 

Rings out the New-Year's chime. 



LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 

Let hearts grow glad, and eyes grow bright, 

This merry winter morn; 
Cast care away, and in the soul 

Let peace and joy be born. 



A Little Boy to His Parents. 

Behold a very little boy 
Who wishes to you 

here, 
In simple words of heart- 
felt joy, 
A happy, bright New- 
Year. 

I know you will be very 
glad 
If now you find in me 
A better and a wiser 
lad 
Than once I used to 
be. 




May Heaven grant you blest increase 

Of joys ne'er known before; 
And may God give you health and peace, 

To-day, and evermore! 

— From the German. 



2 2 LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 



To Grandmamma on New- Year's Day. 

On all thy ways God's blessing shine, 
And quiet days be ever thine. 

— From the German. 



New- Year's Greeting to Parents who have 
Lost and Suffered Much. 

That the New Year just beginning 

Shed upon you purest bliss ; 
That it give you back the fulness 

Of your heart's lost happiness ; 
And that Heaven, your life defending, 

Keep you from all grief and care, — 
This, dear parents, is our greeting; 

This, your little children's prayer. 

— From the French. 



A New-Year Wish. 

Year after year, 

May God grant to you 
Blessings most dear, 

And joys ever new ! 

— From the German 



LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 



23 




A Little Boy's New- Year Wish. 



My dear little wish is as tiny as I, 

Two lines will express it to thee : 
May kind Heaven bless thee ! May kind 
Heaven keep thee, 
All healthy and merry for me ! 

— From the German. 



24 LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 

Little Children to their Parents. 

New-Year's Day has come at last, 
And the Old Year safely passed ; 
Dearest papa, mamma sweet, 
Bless your children at your feet. 
As a proof of tenderness, 
And of simple happiness, 
From these hearts obedient, 
Take this humble compliment. 

— From the French, 



To Grandfather. 

Dear grandpapa, the best of boys, 
I come to wish you here 

A Christmas full of sweetest joys, 
A bright and glad New- Year. 



With the Gift of a Cup 

When you put this to your lips 
And a draught of water drink, 

While you bless your New-Year's gift, 
Of its giver fondly think. 



LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 25 

A Child to its Widowed Mother, the First New- 
Year's Day after its Father's Death. 

Although in sorrow and distress 
We mourn with thee a father's loss, 

A Heav'nly Father we possess, 
Who lightens every cross. 

Twas He who took our papa hence, 
But left us still a mother dear ; 

And He will be the best of friends 
To bless our bright New-Year. 

Then, dearest Mamma, let us lean 
In faith upon His loving arm ; 

Our Father and our Friend unseen 
Will keep us from all harm. 

— From the French. 

Children to their Mother, with Birthday 
Flowers. 

Before your birthday closes, 
Dear mother, here we bring 

This basket of fresh roses, 
Affection's offering. 

Accept this gift of ours, 

And may this morn of morns 

Be like our lovely flowers 
In all things but the thorns ! 



26 



LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF l^HE SEASON. 




l^tamma's girtMag ^ouquzt; 



Made up by Papa from the Family Flowers. 



Papa speaks : As this is Mamma's birthday. 

And such a charming day, 
At early dawn, upon the lawn, 

I plucked this large bouquet. 
They are the queerest flowers 

That e'er from garden came ; 
They run and walk, they laugh and talk, 

And each can tell its name. 



LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 27 

First Child : I am my Mamma's Lily, 

Her very heart's delight ; 
You need not think me silly 

Because I'm dressed in white. 
For this is Mamma's feast-day, 

And so her Lily tall 
Cries, " Happy, happy birthday ! 

And Heaven bless us all !" 

Second Child : I am my Mamma's Pansy, 

I'm nearly ten years old, 
And just to please her fancy, 

I dress in blue and gold. 
And on my mother's feast-day, 

Her Pansy loves to call, 
"Dear Mamma, happy birthday ! 

And Heaven bless us all !" 

Third Child : I am my Mamma's Violet, 

My purple hood hangs down ; 
And just like ev'ry violet, 

I wear a purple gown. 
To keep our pretty feast-day, 

I left the garden-wall, — 
Dear Mamma, happy birthday ! 

And Heaven bless us all ! 

Fourth Child : I am my Mamma's Rosebud, 
My scarlet dress is gay ; 
I'm such a little close bud, 
I haven't much to say. 



23 



LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OE THE SEASON. 



But this is Mamma's feast-day, 
And so her Rosebud small 

Says, " Happy, happy birthday ! 
And Heaven bless us all !" 




F'ifth Child: /am a Lady's Slipper 

For darling Mamma's foot ; 
I look so very chipper, 

I'm like a fairy's boot. 
Who dances on our feast-day 

Will need me at the ball ; 
Dear Mamma, happy birthday ! 

And Heaven bless us all ! 



LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 29 

Sixth Child : I am my Mamma's Daisy, 

Her darling little son ; 
You needn't think me crazy 

Because I'm full of fun. 
'Twould spoil my Mamma's feast-day 

If I should cry or squall, 
So, here's a happy birthday, 

And Heaven bless us all ! 

Seventh Child : My name is little Buttercup, 

I wear a yellow suit ; 
I'm just an awful "cutter-up," 

But still I'm rather cute. 
For fear I'd spoil the feast-day, 

They've kept me in the hall ; 
Dear Mamma, happy birthday ! 

And Heaven bless us all ! 

Eighth Child : I am a blue Forget-Me-Not, 

My Papa loves me best ; 
I'm very small ; oh ! let me not 

Be lost among the rest. 
I bloom for ev'ry feast-day, 

In summer, spring, or fall, — 
Dear Mamma, happy birthday 

And Heaven bless us all ! 

Ninth Child : I am my Mamma's Mignonette, 
Her little baby-boy. 
Because I'm such a little pet 
I fill the house with joy. 



30 LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 




Dear Mamma, on your feast-day 
(Wrapped up in Nurse's shawl) 

I wish you happy birthday, 
And Heaven bless us all ! 

Papa concludes (standing in the midst of the chil- 
dreii) : 

What do you think, dear Mamma, 
Of these bright buds of ours ? 
They run and walk, 
They laugh and talk, 
Like very funny flowers. 



LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 3 I 

They've come to keep your birthday 
From garden, wood, and water; 

Then take to-day 

Our sweet bouquet, 
And bless each son and daughter ! 



To an Elder Brother, with a Birthday Gift. 

Happy birthday, brother ! 

All the household here, 
Father, too, and mother, 

Wish you merry cheer. 

Hold this box a minute ; 

When its lid you lift, 
You will find within it 

Some one's birthday gift 

Ha ! you like your present ! 

Now a smile — a kiss. 
May each birthday pleasant 

Be as glad as this ! 




32 LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 




With a Bouquet. 



'Tis true I'm very little, 
But my love is very great : 

I've gathered you these lilies 
Beside the garden-gate. 



LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 33 

With joy my face is glowing, 
My heart with pleasure burns. 

A happy birthday, uncle, 
And many sweet returns! 



A Child's Birthday Greeting to a Mother who 
has had Great Sorrows. 

To-day, my darling Mamma, 

I venture to repeat 
The tender prayers oft breathed for thee 

At Mary's holy feet. 

Then drive away all sorrow, 

All care and sad distress, 
And in my faithful love regain 

Your long-lost happiness. 

— From the French. 



A Very Iittle Boy to Papa on his Name-day. 

Just see my little basket: 

Now don't you think it's cute ? 

'Tis dearest papa's name-day, 
And here's his fav'rite fruit. 



34 LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 

sweet St. N in heaven! 

I love your holy name, 

1 love your holy feast-day, 

'Cause papa's is the same. 

Smile down, dear Saint, upon him, 
And bless his little boy; 

And sweeter than this fruit shall be 
Each name-day full of joy ! 



A Name-Day Greeting to an Aunt. 

My childish joys your love increased 

By ev'ry tender art. 
Then, dearest aunt, upon your feast, 

Accept my grateful heart. 
Oh ! more than words can ever tell, 

To give you joy I yearn; 
I love you, aunt, I love you well, — 

Pray, love me in return ! 

— From the French. 



An Easter Wish. 

When this Easter gift's untied 
You will find a bird inside e 



LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 35 

Another Easter Wish. 

This little Easter egg 

With its tiny Rosary, 
Is all the Easter gift 

That I can give to thee. 



With an Easter Rabbit. 

The little hare in this basket 
Your kind indulgence begs. 

He brings you these Easter wishes, 
And plenty of Easter eggs. 



A Child to its Father and Mother on their 
Wedding Anniversary. 

Dearest parents, best of friends, 

Ev'ry day I fondly pray 
That your long and peaceful life 

Free from care may pass away. 

Little children's prayers, 'tis said, 
Are most pleasing to the Lord. 

May He, then, from heaven shed 
On your hearts His best reward. 

— From the French. 



LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 




To Mamma on her Feast-day. 



Although a little child am I, 

It has occurred to me 
To offer you this wish of mine — 

" Oh ! may you happy be !" 

— From the German. 



LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 37 



Children to their Mother on her Recovery 
from Sickness. 

When you were ill, dear mother, 

Our hearts were very sad ; 
Now you are well, dear mother, 

Behold us gay and glad! 

The days were dark and dreary 
While vacant stood your chair; 

Now everything looks cheery, 
Because you're seated there. 

This sweet bouquet, then, mother, 

We offer with our song. 
Oh! Heaven bless you, mother, 

And keep you well and strong! 



The Same to a Father on his Return from a 
Journey. 

Welcome, welcome home once more! 

Dearest father, here we stand, 

Such a merry, happy band, 
Waiting at the parlor-door. 



38 LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 

All was sad before you came ; 

Now our hearts with gladness leap, 
Now dear mamma will not weep 

When the baby calls your name. 

Draw the curtains, close the door, — 
Good old grandma's making tea; 
Every breast is full of glee, — 

Dearest father's home once more ! 



School-children to their Pastor on his Silver 
Jubilee, presenting a Silver Altar-lamp. 

Tis here, within this holy spot 

So full of peace and prayer, 
The little children of the flock 

Have brought their offring rare. 

A silver lamp whose gentle light 

And never-failing ray 
Shall be a star-beam for the night, 

A sunbeam for the day. 

O'er aisle and altar it will shed 

Its lustre soft and warm; 
'Twill shine upon each bended head, 

And on each kneeling form. 



LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 39 

And as that bright and beaming Star, 

In ages passed away, 
Led Eastern Magi from afar 

To where the Saviour lay, 

So may our lamp, a star in air, 

Both saints and sinners greet, 
And lead them on, in faith and prayer, 

To kiss their Saviours feet ! 



Sunday-school Children to a Priest (Religious 
Sister or Brother), ott the Occasion of a 
Golden Jubilee. 

Fifty years of shade and sunshine, 

Fifty years of toil and care, 
Fifty years of faithful penance, 

Fifty years of constant prayer! 

Solace of the sick and suffring, 

Little orphans' loving stay, — 
See, in high and holy duties, 

How this brave life passed away; 

Crown him (her) with a wreath of roses, 

Blown in purest fields above ; 
Ev'ry seed its root reposes 

In some deed of pious love. 



4Q 



LITTLE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. 



While the older friends are praying, 
Little children shout for glee; 

E'en the very saints in heaven 
Share our Golden Jubilee! 

Oh! thou good and faithful servant! 

May it be thy lot, one day, 
In the hour of solemn Judgment, 

Thus to hear our dear Lord say: 

" Come, thou blessed of My Father! 
Come, my love, and dwell with Me; 
Now, at last, we'll keep together 
Heaven's endless Jubilee!" 




tUtv gitxs %^^vxts 



¥l]5Y ^EflDEIflS. 



I. 

G3uuh the Babies. 



Lullaby. 



Sleep — sleep — sleep. 

The moon shines brightly, 
The yellow stars begin to peep 

The early dew falls lightly; 
The lazy, crazy croon 
Of crickets 'neath the moon 
Is mixing with the tree-frogs' drowsy, tender tune- 
Hush, baby, hush. 



42 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

Rest — rest — rest. 

Little sister's dreaming, 
Cuddled in her snowy nest, 

Flaxen hair loose streaming; 
Moonlight on the floor 
Is tracing o'er and o'er 
The vine-leaves, the vine-leaves that tremble 'round 
the door — 

Hush, baby, hush. 

Sleep — sleep — sleep. 

The white cat's purring; 
The little mice begin to cheep. 

Behind the wainscot stirring; 
The pet canary closes 
Its diamond eye, and dozes 
In its cage of silver filagree among the sleepy 
roses — 

Hush, baby, hush. 

Sleep — sleep — sleep. 

Evening bells are ringing; 
Daisies, where the grass is deep. 

Fast asleep are swinging; 
Near the garden- wall 
The lilies rise and fall, 
And thou art yet awake, my pet, the sweetest 
flow'r of all ! 

Sleep, baby, sleep. 

— E. C D. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 43 




Netty and the Roses. 

Our sweet little Netty, 

So plump and so pretty, 
Is safe in her cradle, — God bless her ! 

And while the pet dozes, 

Some red and white roses 
Have crept up the wall to caress her. 

The white rose is saying, 

" To-day I went Maying; 
They said that my rose-buds were stunning; 

But, sure, my sweet Netty, 

They're not half as pretty 
As your dear little fingers so cunning !" 

The red rose creeps under 
The red cheeks with wonder, 



44 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

And whispers, "What beautiful blushes ! 

Such cheeks, and such lips ! 

One might take them for slips 
Of roses that grew on my bushes !" 

But dear little Netty, 

So plump and so pretty, 
Hears nothing. Her laughing eye closes, 

And through the dark hours 

She sleeps 'mid the flowers, 
And dreams about red and white roses. 

— E. C. D. 




Papa's Pet. 

She looks like her mother, 
And you are her brother; 
There's ne'er such another 
In all the world round. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 45 



Her smile is the queerest, 
Her eyes are the clearest, 
Her face is the dearest, 
That ever were found. 

— Adapted from ' ' Buds and Flowers, ," 




Wait! 

Patiently dear doggy sits, 
Waiting for some little bits; 
He likes bread and milk as well 
As the little Gabriel. 



46 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

Wait a bit, you doggy dear, 
You shall have some, never fear; 
Then we will go out and play 
In the field of new-mown hay. 



Her First Christmas. 

WHEN BABY LOU HAD A CALL FROM HER BABY 
UNCLE, WHOSE BIRTHDAY HAPPENED TO BE CHRIST- 
MAS DAY. 

From her little mamma's knee 
Toddles lovely Baby Lou, — 

With her mamma's fan, you see, 
Makes her bow to Uncle True; 

While he waves his hat and brush, 

Bows until he nearly falls. 
"Come," says Uncle, " do not blush : 

Let us play at Christmas-calls. " 

" Ah! I'm 'most too young to play, 
Walk or talk" (says Baby Lou), 

"Yet my little heart can say, 
Merry Christmas, Uncle True!" 

" Wait awhile," says Uncle dear, 
" Till a few small years go by, — 

There will be no baby here, 

But a playmate three feet high!" 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 47 

" Round the Christmas-tree, " says Lou, 
" Then we'll dance and sing for fun; 

Happy birthday, Uncle True, 
Merry Christmas, both in one!" 

— E. C. D. 




The New Baby. 



Kiss me, baby, baby boy, 
Mother's pet and mother's joy; 
Tiny hands so fat and round, 
Sweetest darling ever found. 



48 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

Little hair upon his head, 

Round blue eyes, and cheeks so red* 

Dimple in his little chin, 

You can put your finger in. 

Little baby, full of mirth, 
Little baby, new to earth; 
Say, what dreams of angel joy 
Have been thine, my baby boy? 



Five Little Chickens. 

Said the first little chicken, 
With a queer little squirm, 

" Oh, I wish I could find 
A fat little worm!" 

Said the next little chicken, 
With an odd little shrug, 

■ c Oh, I wish I could find 
A fat little bug! " 

Said the third little chicken, 
With a sharp little squeal, 

" Oh, I wish I could find 
Some nice yellow meal!" 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 49 




Said the fourth little chicken, 

With a small sigh of grief, 
" I wish I could find 

A green little leaf!" 

Said the fifth little chicken, 

With a faint little moan, 
" I wish I could find 

A wee gravel stone!" 

" Now, see here," said the mother, 
From the green garden patch, 

" If you want any breakfast, 
You must come and scratch!" 

— American Kindergarten Magazine. 



50 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

Nobody. 

"Nobody b'oke it ! It cracked itself, 
It was clear 'way up on the toppest shelf. 
I — p'rhaps the kitty-cat knows !" 

Says poor little Ned, 

With his ears as red 
As the heart of a damask rose. 

" Nobody lost it ! I carefully 
Put my cap where it ought to be 
(No, 'tisn'tahind the door), 

And it went and hid, — 

Why, of course it did, 
For I've hunted an hour or more." 

"Nobody tore it ! You know things will 
Tear if you're sitting just stock-stone still ! 
I was just jumping over the fence — 

There's some spikes on top, 

And you have to drop 
Before you can half commence." 

Nobody ! wicked Sir Nobody ! 

Playing such tricks on my children three ! 

If I but set eyes on you, 

You should find what you have lost, 

But that, to my cost, 
I never am like to do ! 

— Anna F. Burnham, in "Wide Awake." 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 5 I 



The Parrot. 

Parrot, parrot, you're talking all day, — 

You seem to have terribly much to say : 

You shriek and scream, and you squall so loud, 

You seem so clever and look so proud ; 

But tell me, Polly, and tell me true, 

Pray, do you ever learn anything new ? 

Mistress Polly, not very well pleased, 

Cries, "I won't be questioned, and mocked at, and 

teased. 
What do I care for your books and reading? 
Give me fresh biscuits and dainty feeding." 

— Rhyme and Reason. 



Fresh from the Fair. 

Tommy and Mary have been to the fair, 

And what do you think they have brought from 

there ? 
A doll, and a donkey that wags his head, 
And two great cakes of ginger-bread. 

— Chimes and Rhymes. 



52 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 




Come here, Little Robin. 



Come here, little Robin, 
And don't be afraid; 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 



53 



I would not hurt even a feather. 

Come here, little Robin, 

And pick up some bread 
To feed you this very cold weather. 

I don't mean to hurt you, 

You poor little thing ! 
The pussy-cat is not behind me ; 

So hop about pretty, 

And put down your wing, 
And pick up the crumbs, and don't mind me. 
— Children's Book of Poetry, 



Maud and May. 

Guardian angels 

watch must keep 
Over Maud and May 

asleep. 

Maud her doll was 

holding tight 
When she bade us all 

" Good-night !" 

Little May " God bless 

me !" said, — 
Dropped her ball 

upon the bed. 

Now they both are sweetly sleeping, 
And the angels watch are keeping. 




54 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 




When I am Big. 

" When I am big," 

Says little Brown-Hair, 

"I'll not play with trumpets, 
Stuck up in a chair. 



" When I am big, 

Girl's dresses I'll drop ; 
I'll wear coat and pants, 

And a high hat, like Pop. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 55 

"When I am big, 

A big house I'll build; 
With toys, cakes, and candies 

The rooms shall be filled. 

" When I am big, 

A big horse I'll buy, 
And over the country, 

Like blazes, I'll fly! 

" For when I am big, 

Dear Pussy, you know, 
I'll be a great doctor, 

With hair white as snow." 

Finger-song. 

TO BE SUNG ON BABY'S FINGERS. 

One shall have an apple; 

Two shall have a pear; 

Three shall have a little kid, of which he'll take 

good care; 
Four shall have some candy; 
Five shall have a ride; 

Six shall have a little sword, all buckled on his side; 
Seven shall have a pony; 
Eight shall have a sled; 
Nine shall have a dreaming- cap, and Ten shall go 

to bed. 

— Babyland. 



56 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 



My Good for-Nothing. 

" What are you good for, my brave little man? 
Answer the question for me, if you can — 
You, with your fingers as white as a nun; 
You, with your ringlets as bright as the sun. 
All the day long, with your busy contriving, 
Into all mischief and fun you are diving; 
See if your wise little noddle can tell 
What you are good for. Now, ponder it well. 5 

Over the carpet the dear little feet 
Came with a patter to climb on my seat; 
Two merry eyes, full of frolic and glee, 
Under their lashes looked up unto me. 
Two little hands, pressing soft on my face, 
Drew me down close in a loving embrace; 
Two rosy lips gave the answer so true, 
" Good to love you, Mamma, good to love you." 

— Emily H. Miller. 



The Mouse. 

I'm only a poor little mouse, ma'am! 
I live in the wall of your house, ma'am! 
With a fragment of cheese, and a very few peas, 
I was having a little carouse, ma'am! 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 57 

No mischief at all I intend, ma'am! 

I hope you will act as my friend, ma'am! 

If my life you should take, many hearts it would 

break, 
And the trouble would be without end, ma'am! 

My wife lives there in the crack, ma'am! 
She's waiting for me to come back, ma'am! 
She hoped I might find a bit of a rind, 
For the children their dinner do lack, ma'am! 

'Tis hard living there in the wall, ma'am! 

For plaster and mortar will pall, ma'am, 

On the minds of the young, and when specially hung- 

Ry, upon their poor father they'll fall, ma'am! 

I never was given to strife, ma'am! 
(Don't look at that terrible knife, ma'am!) 
The noise overhead that disturbs you in bed, 
'Tis the rats, I will venture my life, ma'am! 

In your eyes I see mercy, I'm sure, ma'am! 
Oh, there's no need to open the door, ma'am! 
I'll slip through the crack, and I'll never come back, 
Oh, I'll never come back any more, ma'am! 




58 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 




My Possessions. 

I am a rich man, 

If there ever was one: 
I've a horse and an apple, 

And both are my own. 



But some one might wish 
Such fine presents to keep; 

So I'll take them to bed, 
To hold fast while asleep. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 59 

And when in the morning 

I wake up once more, 
I've my toy and my apple, — 

To me a rich store. 

— Rhyme and Reason. 



The Sandman. 



He's coming, little 
Blue-Eyes, 
He's coming up the 
stair, 
With his funny tas- 
seled night-cap, 
And tufts of snowy 
hair. 
Drop your little ruf- 
fled dress, — 
Are your shoes un- 
tied ? 
The Sandman! the 
Sandman 
Is on the stairs out- 
side! 




60 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

His bag's behind his shoulder, 

He holds his stick before — 
I hear him, little Blue-Eyes, 

He's knocking at the door. 
Shake the pillows, Nursey ! 

Baby's fixed for bed — 
The Sandman ! the Sandman 

Is poking in his head ! 

See his pretty flowered coat ! 

Watch his soft old feet ! 
Round the darling's crib he goes, 

So sleepy and so sweet ! 
In between the cosy sheets 

Blue-Eyes loves to creep — 
The Sandman, the Sandman 

Has put her fast asleep ! 

— E. C. D. 



The Baby tells what became of the Little 
Fishes. 

Little fishes in a brook, 
Papa caught them with a hook. 

Mamma fried them in a pan, 
Papa ate them like a man. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 6 1 

Cradle-song. 

Sleep, baby, sleep ! 
Thy father watches his sheep; 
Thy mother is shaking the dreamland tree, 
And down comes a little dream on thee. 
Sleep, baby, sleep ! 

Sleep, baby, sleep ! 
The large stars are the sheep; 
The little stars are the lambs, I guess, 
And the gentle moon is the shepherdess. 

Sleep, baby, sleep ! 

Sleep, baby, sleep ! 
Our Saviour loves His sheep; 
He is the Lamb of God on high 
Who for our sakes came down to die. 
Sleep, baby, sleep ! 

— Child Life. 



"You Dirty Boy!" 

u RUB-A-DUB-DUB !" 

Cries good Cousin Jane; 
"Here's Ted in his tub; 
We must bathe him again ! 



62 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

"Dear Martha, come quick ' 
Bring the water along; 

'Twill make the boy sick 
If the soap is too strong. 




" Now, Ted, we'll begin, — 
What a fat little roll ! 

Oh ! I wish his dear skin 
Was as white as his soul !" 



II. 

flw Slay, 




Coasting. 

Hurry ! skurry ! down we go, — 
Lots of sunshine, lots of snow ! 
Am I cold ? Oh ! no, I'm roasting ! 
One gets awful hot a-coasting ! 



64 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

Say, ain't this a jolly sled ? 
Papa calls it " Go-ahead !" 
And go ahead it does, you bet, 
Like a race-horse in a pet. 

There fly Fred, and little Tim, 
And Charley — who's afraid of him ? 
See here, fellows, don't be rough ; 
There's room for all, and snow enough. 

Bless my stars ! if there ain't Fred 
Knocking Charley off his sled ! 
Both the boys have got a fall — 
" Go-ahead" has beat them all ! 



Winter Jewels. 

A million little diamonds 

Twinkled on the trees, 
And all the little maidens said, 

" A jewel, if you please !" 

But while they held their hands outstretched 

To catch the diamonds gay, 
A million little sunbeams came 

And stole them all away. 

— Children's Book of Poetry. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 65 




Her Ladyship. 

Those rude little boys, 

They do nothing but stare, 

As I ride through the snow 
In my pretty sledge-chair. 

My muff and my bonnet, 

They eye them all o'er ; 
They can never have seen 

Such a lady before ! 

— Adapted from " Buds and Flowers.' 



66 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 



A New Mother Hubbard. 

Miss Polly Betsy Patterson, 

In a Mother Hubbard cloak, 
And a Mother Hubbard bonnet 

With a most bewitching poke, 

One morning met a curly dog, — 

He was of medium size, 
His ears were drooped, his tail was limp, 

And the tears stood in his eyes. 

Said Polly to the curly dog, 

" Why do you look so sad ?" 
" Because," replied he, with a sniff, 

" The times are very bad. 

"You see," said he, "the streets are full 

Of little Mother Hubbards, 
But though I've wagged my tail 'most off, 

They never speak of cupboards." 

Said Polly Betsy, " Come with me; 
'Twould melt a heart of stone ! 
I'll give you lots of bread and milk, 
And a juicy mutton-bone." 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 6 J 

She took him home, and fed him well; 

His tears were turned to laughter; 
And now, wherever Polly goes, 

The curly dog trots after. 

— Eleanor A. Hunter, in "St. Nicholas." 



The Gingerbread Cat. 

Mamie had a pussy-cat, 

So well-behaved and sweet, 
That all the little children cried, 

"It's good enough to eat !" 
It never mewed, nor showed a claw; 

Was never cross or surly; 
And Mamie loved it from its ears 

Down to its tail so curly. 

This little kitty-cat was brown, 

As brown as brown could be; 
But though it had two bright black eyes, 

Alas! it could not see. 
And though it had four little paws, 

It couldn't even walk; 
And though it had two little ears, 

Could not hear Mamie talk. 



68 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

And so this helpless pussy-cat 

Much needed special care, 
And Mamie kept it in her arms, 

And lugged it everywhere; 
Until, alas ! at supper-time, 

This kitty-cat so brown, 
Into a bowl of brea?d and milk 

From Mamie's hand fell down. 

So Mamma laid it on the shelf: 

" When morning comes," said she, 
" I have no doubt your little puss 

All nice and dry will be." 
But such a dreadful thing befell 

The kitty-cat that night ! 
We know, of course, that cats eat mice, 

A rule that's very right; 

But, truly, I am grieved to say, 

This time it was the mice 
That put an end to poor Miss Puss. 

And ate her in a trice. 
And w T hen the morning dawned, alas ! 

All that remained of Kitty 
Was just one crumb to tell the tale: 

Now, wasn't that a pity ? 

—Mary D. Brine. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 6$ 




I like Little Pussy. 



I like little pussy, 

Her coat is so warm; 
And if I don't hurt her 

She'll do me no harm. 
So I'll not pull her tail, 

Nor drive her away, 
But pussy and I 

Very gently will play; 
She shall sit by my side, 

And I'll give her some food; 
And she'll love me because 

I am gentle and good. 

— Jane Taylor. 



70 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 




A Penny to Spend. 

They gave me a penny 
If I wouldn't cry; 

We'll spend it together, 
You and I. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 7 1 

Here is a little shop, — 

What shall we take ? 
There is a beautiful 

Frosted cake. 

Cookies in plenty, 

All one needs, 
Specked in the middle 

With caraway seeds. 

How many buns 

Would a penny buy ? 
We never can tell 

Until we try. 

You must be fair, 

You see, and divide : 
I like the ones 

With the cream inside. 

A whole bag full! 

Well, that will do. 
These are for me — 

That one for you. 

— Baby land. 




72 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 




A May Party. 



The sweet birds are singing, 
The young lambs are springing, 
The bells are all ringing 
A merry chime. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 73 

Then let us go Maying, 
For all things are playing ; 
In-doors there's no staying 
In happy spring-time. 

— Schnick Sc knack. 



"Gran'ma al'as does." 




I wants to mend my wagon, 
And has to have some nails; 
Jus' two, free will be plenty, 
We're going to haul our rails. 
The splendidest cob fences 
We're makin' ever was! 
I wis' you'd help us find 'em, 
Gran'ma al'as does. 



74 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

My horse's name is Betsey; 

She jumped and broke her head. 
I put her in the stable, 

And fed her milk and bread. 
The stable's in the parlor; 

We didn't make no muss : 
I wis' you'd let it stay there, 

Gran'ma al'as does. 

I wants some bread and butter; 

Fs .hungry, worstest kind; 
But Tatie mustn't have none, 

'Cause she wouldn't mind. 
Put plenty sugar on it : 

I tell you what I knows — 
It's right to put on sugar, 

Gran'ma al'as does. 



Reading the News. 

This milk that Fve got 

Is so awfully hot, 
I must wait till it cools. — What a caper ! 

With the dish in my lap, 

I'll just push back my cap, 
And see what is fresh in the paper. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS, 75 




Old nurse it will vex 

When she misses her specks ! 
I never intended to fret her; 

I thought I'd just try 

If they suited my eye, — 
But, bless me ! I can't read a letter ! 



mercy ! what's that ? 

1 declare it's the cat ! 

(The one we call old Tommy Tupper) : 

While I looked for the news 

He has skipp'd o'er my shoes, 
And lapp'd up the whole of my supper ! 

— E. C. D. 



76 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 




Gold and Green. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 77 

Gold and Green. 

Gold and green and blue and white, 

Daisies, buttercups, and sky, 
Grass and clouds and birds unite 
In a chorus of delight : 

For the tender spring is nigh; 

Soon will winds no longer sigh. 

March and April pass away, 
And the dainty-fingered rain 

Plays sweet melodies all day, 

Welcoming the lovely May. 

Soon will chickweed fill the lane, 
Poppies sprout amid the grain. 

— Maurice F. Egan. 



Work and Play. 

Work while you work, 
Play while you play — 

That is the way 

To be cheerful and gay. 



78 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

All that you do, 

Do with your might; 

Things done by halves 
Are never done right. 




One thing at a time, 
And that done well, 

Is a very good rule, 
As many can tell. 



Moments are useless 
When trifled away ; 

So work while you work, 
And play while you play. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 79 




An Old Rat's Tale. 

He was a rat and she was a rat, 

And down in one house they did dwell ; 

And both were as black as a witch's cat, 
And they loved each other right well. 

He had a tail and she had a tail, 

Both long and curling and fine ; 
And each said, " Yours is the finest tail 

In the world, excepting mine." 

He smelt the cheese and she smelt the cheese, 
And they both pronounced it good ; 

And they both remarked it would greatly add 
To the charms of their daily food. 

So he ventured out and she ventured out, 

And I saw them go with pain ; 
But what befell them I never can tell, 

For they never came back again. 

— Si. Nicholas. 



8o OTHER TINY RHYMES EOR TINY READERS. 




Goosie in the Garden. 



Goose, gray goose in the garden, 
Why are you here, I pray ? 

Your right place is the yard in ; 
Goose, gray goose, go away ' 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 8 1 

Goose, gray goose, look behind you: 
What if the farmer should see ? 

The worse for you, should he find you. — 
Gray goose, don't hiss at me ! 

Goose, gray goose, silly rover, 
Here comes Tom with a switch ; 

Hasten and get undercover ; 
Run down, — hide in the ditch ! 

— Rhyme and Reason. 



Naughty Han. 

Little Nan Dunshower 

Sat on a sunflower, — 
Nursey was hunting all over to find her ; 

" Ha ! ha !" cried Miss Nanny, 

'■'I'll frighten old Fanny ; 
She'll think I am lost if I stay here behind her !" 

So naughty Nan Dunshower 

Hid in the sunflower, 
And let her old Nursey go homeward without her 

But soon there, benighted, 

She found, all affrighted, 
The leaves were beginning to close up about her ! 



82 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

Alas for Nan Dunshower ! 
Deep in the sunflower 

Vanished her ladyship ! Wasn't it shocking ? 
In the morning when Fanny- 
Came hunting Miss Nanny, 

All she could find was a slipper and stocking ! 



Camping Out. 

Down in the garden we've made us a tent 

To shut out the sunny blue sky ; 
With our books and our toys, and our Mamma's 
consent. 

We're living there, Clara and I. 

'Tis under the rosebush, beside the old fence, 
There's beautiful moss on the floor ; 

The birdies sing sweet round this nicest of tents, 
And the daisies grow thick at the door. 

A party we've planned for our Dolly to-day, 
The cards to her friends have been sent ; 

The dear little darling is in such a way, — 
Come, look at her here in the tent. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. &3 




Our china is ready ; we've jelly and cake ; 

And Clarrie is making the tea. 
I think you might once, just for dear Dolly's sake, 

Eat supper with Clara and me. 

— E. C D. 



84 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 




The Horse-shoe. 



"Good Mr. Smith, I've come to you, 
Because my horse has lost its shoe." 

" Pray sir, how did he do it?" 
" Why, riding through the Park, one day, 
He kicked in such a vicious way, 

That then I think he threw it." 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 85 

" For ever since he's been quite lame, 
So broken-spirited and tame, 

He scarce can whisk his tail." 
"Well, Master John, I can't refuse — 
I'll make your horse some strong new shoes;— - 

First let me drive this nail." 

— Chimes and Rhymes. 



Song of the Pear-tree. 

Out in the green, green meadow 
Standeth a fine pear-tree; 

The fine pear-tree hath leaves, too. 
Now what in that bed may be ? 

A beautiful child, 
Child in the bed, 
Bed from the feather, 
Feather from the bird, 
Bird from the egg, 
Egg in the nest, 
Nest on the twig, 
Twig on the branch, 
Branch on the tree, 
Tree in the ground. 



&6 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 




Out in the green, green meadow 

Standeth a fine pear-tree; 
The fine pear-tree hath leaves, too, 

And on it these things all be. 

— Rhyme and Reason. 




OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 87 

A " FORTY-GRAFF !" 

Take your picture ? Guess I will; 

Dora, Cora, little Phil, 

(Try and keep the baby still !) 

Hold your heads up good and high, 
Don't you move a hand or eye — 
(There ! that baby's going to cry !) 

Don't you laugh. This isn't play; 
People always stare away 
At the cam — cam — cameray ; 

Look as cross as if they'd crack it, 
Just like old Aunt Susan Hackett 
In the albu-m on the bracket. 

Steady— steady ! One — two — three, — 
Dora, Cora, Phil, — O see ! 
No one's forty-graff'd but me ! 

— E. C. D 




88 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 



The Hay-field. 

" Now, youngsters, you may run and play, 
And pitch about the new-mown hay; 
The day is fair, you're ripe for fun, 
So to it, children, every one!" 

No second bidding is required, 
For every heart w T ith joy is fired; 
At once the whole troop bound away, 
And toss and tumble in the hay. 

Now stifled laughs and mirthful cries 
From out one biggish heap arise; 
And then pops up that madcap May, 
Half-smothered, from the new-mown hay. 

— Little Lays for Little Folks 




OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 89 







The Little Drill-Master. 



I'd like to be a soldier, 

And wear the red and blue; 
I s'pose the shots don't hurt as much 

As people say they do. 
My soldiers never mind the peas, 

Although they hit so strong, 
And when they fall I pick them up, 

And make them march along. 
March along, march along, 
Little soldiers, good and strong ! 
—Adapted from Coates Children s Book of Poetry. 



90 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 




Dog and Doves. 

Florence at the window 

Feeds her doves ; 
Near her stands dog Fido, 

Whom she loves. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 9 1 

Gentle little Florrie, 

Sweet her words ! — 
" Come and eat your barley, 

Dearest birds !" 

Watching the young mistress 

Whom he loves, 
Fido barks, " She's sweeter 

Than the doves !" 

-EC. D. 




Truth. 



Boy, at all times tell the truth, 
Let no lie defile thy mouth ; 
If thou'rt wrong, be still the same — 
Speak the truth and bear the blame. 



92 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

Truth is honest, truth is sure, 
Truth is strong and must endure ; 
Falsehood lasts a single day, 
Then it vanishes away. 

Boy, at all times tell the truth, 
Let no lie defile thy mouth ; 
Truth is steadfast, sure, and fast, 
Certain to prevail at last. 




Sulky Jenny. 

Jenny, come again and play, 
And don't so sulky be ; 

I merely took your ball away 
And hid it in a tree. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 93 

Lily's waiting at the stile, 

In her hand a basket ; 
Jenny, raise your head and smile, 

Won't you, when I ask it? 




That's right, 

Come away ; 
Sun's bright, 
We will play 
Merrily, merrily, all the day ! 

— Buds and Flowers, 



94 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

The Lost Child. 

" I'm losted ! Could you find me, please ?" 

Poor little frightened baby ! 
The wind had tossed her golden fleece, 
The stones had scratched her dimpled knees. 

I stooped, and lifted her with ease, 
And softly whispered, " Maybe." 

" Tell me your name, my little maid, 

I can't find you without it." 
" My name is Shiny-eyes," she said. 
" Yes, but your last ?" She shook her head : 
"Up to my house 'ey never said 

A single fing about it." 

" But, dear," I said, " what is your name ?" 
"Why, di'n't you hear me told you? 

Dust Shiny-eyes." A bright thought came : 

" Yes, when you're good ; but when they blame 

You, little one — is't just the same 
When Mamma has to scold you ?" 

" My mamma never scolds," she moans, 
A little blush ensuing, 

II 'Cept when I've been a-frowing stones, 
And then she says" (the culprit owns), 

" < Mehitabel Sapphira Jones, 
What has you been a-doing ? ' ! 

— Wide Awake. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 95 



A Vain Frog. 

I'm sitting here upon the grass, 
A very charming frog ; 

The river is my looking-glass, 
My dressing-room's a log. 




I wear a fine green satin coat, 

And vest of speckled silk ; 
The necktie round my chubby throat 

Is just as white as milk. 

My eyes are rather wide apart, 

But, then, how bright they glisten ! 

And when I sing — why, bless your heart ! 
The birds ail stop to listen ! 

-E. C. D. 



96 other tiny rhymes for tiny readers. 

Santa's Comin' ! 

Santa's comin' ! Guess he is ! 

Gran'ma, she's a-knittin' 
Biggest stockin' ever was, 

Never needs no fittin'. 
She p'tends it's gran'pa's sock ; 

Polly says that's 'posfrous ! — 
Says it every bit as if 

Gran'pa was a 'noc'ros ! 

Guess I know whose sock it is ! 

Guess it's mine for Santa ; 
Won't it hold lots ? Hope he knows, 

So he'll bring a plenty ; 
Hope he'll cram it from the toe 

To the big red toppin'. 
Golly ! Gracious ! Just to think 

Sets a boy a-hoppin' ! 

Santa's comin' ! Guess he is ! 

Mamma smiles at sewin' ; 
Everybody all the time 

Looks so awful knowin' ; 
'Spose they smell the kitchen things, 

Cakes, and pies, and cheeses. 
My ! I feel so good I could 

Hurrah myself to pieces ! 

— Youth's Companion. 



III. 







A Queer Kind of School, 

Two little fellows, so funny and fat, 
One has his Polly, the other his Cat. 

Two little teachers, each holding a book; 
Polly and Pussy must listen and look! 



98 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 




Which Loved Best? 



A LESSON FOR LITTLE GIRLS THAT NEED NOT BE 
DESPISED BY THEIR BIG SISTERS. 

"I love you, mother/' said little John; 
Then, forgetting his work, his cap went on, 
And he was off to the garden-swing, 
And left her wood and water to bring. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS, 99 

" I love you, mother," said rosy Nell — 
" I love you better than tongue can tell." 
Then she teased and pouted full half the day, 
Till her mother rejoiced when she went to play. 

u I love you, mother," said little Fan; 

" To-day I'll help you all I can; 
How glad I am that school doesn't keep!" 
So she rocked the babe till it fell asleep. 

Then, stepping softly, she fetched the broom, 
And swept the floor, and tidied the room; 
Busy and happy all day was she, 
Helpful and happy as child could be. 

" I love you, mother," again they said — 
Three little children going to bed. 
How do you think that mother guessed 
Which of them really loved her best? 



What the Clock Says. 

The clock's loud tick 
Says, "Time flies quick." 

" Listen," says the chime; 

" Make the most of time. 
For remember, young and old, 
Minutes are like grains of gold; 
Spend them wisely, spend them well, 
For their worth can no man tell!" 



IOO OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

"HOLI-O-HO!" 

THE GOATHERD'S SONG. 

Here I lie on the top of the hill, 
Right glad am I that the wind is still. 
I've never a stocking, and never a shoe, 
But the grass is green, and the sky is blue; 
And clear thro' my dear little horn I blow, 
"Holi-o-ho! holi-o-ho!" 

There are violets plenty, and daisies sweet, 
Down in the grass at my bare, brown feet; 
And my goats are close to my side all day — 
White, and dapple, and brown, and gray. 
They shake their horns, while my horn I blow, 
"Holi-o-ho! holi-o-ho!' 

Over my head was a rose-red cloud 
When the birds went by in a noisy crowd: 
One of them dropped a plume where I sat; 
I've fastened it here in the band of my hat. 
Once it was high, but now it is low, 

"Holi-o-ho! holi-o-ho!" 

Listen, my goats, — ah! well, ah! well, — 
Did you hear that sound ? 'Tis the vesper-bell. 
" Praise God!" 'tis saying, " Praise God again!" 
Answer with me, my goats, "Amen 1 " 
I see the spire of the church below / 

"Holi-o-ho ! holi-o-ho!" 
-E C. D 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. IOI 



' llli „ 







Holi-o ho! 






102 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 




The Chickens. 

See ! the chickens round the gate 
For their morning portion wait ; 
Fill the basket from the store, 
Let us open wide the door ; 
Throw out crumbs and scatter seed, 
Let the hungry chickens feed. . . . 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 103 

Now, my little child, attend : 
Your Almighty Father, Friend, 
Tho' unseen by mortal eye, 
Watches o'er you from on high ; 
As the hen her chickens leads, 
Shelters, cherishes, and feeds, 
So by Him your feet are led, 
Over you His wings are spread. 

D. A. T. 




For Good and Bad. 



Here's a slate, its frame is wood ; 

Here's a book, — come, read it. 
Here's some fruit for children good, 

And birch for those that need it ! 



104 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

A Little Boy's Troubles. 

I thought when I'd learned my letters 

That all of my troubles were done ; 
But I find myself much mistaken — 

They only have just begun. 
Learning to read was awful, 

But nothing like learning to write; 
I'd be sorry to have you tell it, 

But my copybook is a sight ! 

The ink gets over my fingers, 

The pen cuts all sorts of shines, 
And won't do at all as I bid it ; 

The letters won't stay on the lines, 
But go up and down and all over, 

As though they were dancing a jig; 
They are there in all shapes and sizes — 

Medium, little, and big. 

The tails of the g's are contrary, 

The handles get on the wrong side 
Of the d's and the k's and the h's, 

Though I've certainly tried and tried 
To make them just right : it is dreadful ; 

I really don't know what to do ; 
I'm getting almost distracted; 

My teacher says she is, too. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 1 05 

There'd be some comfort in learning 

If one could get through ; instead 
Of that, there are books awaiting. 

Quite enough to craze my head. 
There's the multiplication-table, 

And grammar, and oh ! dear me, 
There's no good place for stopping, 

When one has begun, I see. 

My teacher says little by little 

To the mountain-tops we climb ; 
It isn't all done in a minute, 

But only a step at a time ; 
She says that all the scholars, 

All the wise and learned men, 
Had each to begin as I do ; 

If that's so, where's my pen ? 

— Carlotta Perry. 



Spring Song. 

The cock is crowing, the stream is flowing, 
The small birds twitter, the lake doth glitter, 

The green field sleeps in the sun ; 
The oldest and youngest are at work with the 

strongest ; 
The cattle are grazing, their heads never raising ; 
There are forty feeding like one ! 

—William Wordsworth. 



Io6 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 



Polly's Cross. 

We're keeping school beyond the fence, 
We hope to learn much faster. 

We're Poll, and Moll, 

And Bell, and Nell, 
And Jocky, — he's the master. 




I do my best, but Bell and Nell 
Will fight with me and Molly ; 
And Jocky, he 
Runs up a tree 
And shouts, " Now, ain't this jolly !" 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 107 




The Gardener's Grandchild. 

" Which is the queen of the roses ? 

Gardener, can you tell ?" 
" Oh, the queen of the roses to me, sir, 

Is my own little grandchild, Nell. 

"She waters the flowers for me, sir, 

She carries them out to sell ; 
Not one is as bright to me, sir, 

As my own little grandchild, Nell. 

— Fro7?i Children s Book of Poetry. 



Io8 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 



Get Up! 

'Tis five o'clock ! 

Just hear the cock, 
How very loud he crows ! 

Fie, baby Ned, 

Don't lie abed, 
And take another doze! 

'Tis five o'clock ! 

And this old sock 
Is surely out of place ; 

For sister Jule 

Is on the stool 
A-sponging off her face. 

'Tis five o'clock ! 

There s Nursey's knock ! 
Throw pussy-cat a kiss ; 

Come, baby Ned, 

Jump out of bed, 
Or breakfast you will miss ! 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 109 




IIO OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

A Doll in Disgrace. 

I sit on my stool 

In the midst of my school; 

I'm teaching my Pussy to spell. 

And when I say u Now! " 

She answers "Meow!" 
You'd wonder she does it so well. 




My Dolly was dumb 

When I told her to come, 

So I spanked her and put her away; 
I have cakes here for Puss, 
But Doll made such a fuss 

She shan't have a cream-puff to-day. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. Ill 




In the Corn field. 

We've ploughed our land, and with even hand 
The seed o'er the field we've strown; 

But sunshine and rain to ripen the grain 
Can be given by God alone. 

The seed that springs, and the bird that sings, 

And the shining summer sun ; 
The tiny bee and the mighty sea — 

God made them everv one. 



Then thankful we'll be, for shall not He 

Who gives to each bird a nest, 
To each bee a flower for its little hour, 

Give His children food and rest ? 

— Children s Book of Poetry, 



112 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 




Learn your Lesson. 

You'll not learn your lesson by crying, my man; 
You'll never come at it by crying, my man; 

Not a word can you spy 

For the tear in your eye; 
Then set your heart to it, for surely you can. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 113 

If you like your lesson, it's sure to like you ; 

The words then so quickly would jump into view * 

Each one to its place 

All the others would chase, 
'Till the laddie would wonder how clever he grew. 

— Alexander Smart. 



Tiny Tender-heart. 

With her yellow garden-hat, 

And her violet gown, 
Little Tiny Tender-heart 

Tripped along to town. 

In her glove a bright new coin 
Nestled safe and handy — 

She was tripping to the store 
For some cakes and candy. 

On the road a woman sat, 

By her side a crutch, — 
Old and poor ! — the silver coin 

Burned in Tiny's clutch ! 

Just a moment, full of thought, 

Did the maiden stand, 
Then she came and dropped her coin 

In the beggar's hand ! 



114 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

Little Tiny Tender-heart 
Shook her curls so brown, 

In her pretty garden-hat, 
Tripped away from town. 

Though of sweetmeats she had none 

On that blessed day, — 
Thinking where her coin had gone, 

She was bright and gay. 

All the candy in the shop, 

All the sweetest cake, 
Were not sweeter than her deed 

Done for God's dear sake ! 

— E. C. D. 



The Birds. 

Who taught you to sing, 
My sweet, pretty birds? 
Who tuned your beautiful throats? 
You make all the woods 

And the valleys to ring, 
You bring the first news 
Of the earliest spring, 
With your loud and silvery notes. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 115 




" It was God," said a lark, 
As he rose from the earth : 
" He gives us the good we enjoy ; 
He painted our wings, 

He gave us our voice, 
He finds us our food, 
He bids us rejoice ; — 
Good-morning, my beautiful boy !" 

— Mrs. Sigourney. 




Il6 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 



Glad to Get Off. 

I never saw such letters, 
They put me in a rage ! — 

I'd rather catch a dozen mice 
Than read another page. 




I wish I had a sup of cream, 

Or just a bite of cheese. 
There goes a mouse behind that screen !- 

Excuse me, if ou please. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 117 




Roses Red and Lilies White. 



Roses red and lilies fair, 

Daisies in a row, 
Woodbine sweet and pansies rare, 

In my garden grow. 

Little blue forget-me-not, 

With its yellow eye, 
Always smiles and gives a nod 

As I pass it by. 



Il8 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

Violets play at hide-and-seek, 

But I find them out ; 
Underneath their leaves they keep, 

And watch what I'm about. 

Ah! 'tis very nice to work 

With dear little Joe, — 
Such a lot of pretty flow'rs 

In my garden grow! 

— A Itered from * * Schnick- Schnack. 



Two and One. 

Two ears and only 07ie mouth have you ; 

The reason, I think, is clear : 
It teaches, my child, that it will not do 
To talk about all you hear. 

Two eyes and only o?ie mouth have you ; 

The reason of this must be : 
That you should learn that it will not do 

To talk about all you see. 

Two hands and only one mouth xiave you, 
And it is worth while repeating: 

The two are for work you will have to do — 
The one is enough for eating. 

— Children's Book of Poetry, 



IV. 




A Little Boy's Morning Hymn. 

Little Jesus, Babe Divine, 

Take my heart and make it Thine. 



120 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

Fill it full of love for Thee, 
Do not let me naughty be. 

And since Thou wert once a child, 
Make me now both pure and mild. 

— E. C. D. 



The Guardian Angel. 

Dear Angel ! ever at my side, 

How loving must thou be, 
To leave thy home in heaven to guard 

A little child like me. 

I cannot feel thee touch my hand 
With pressure light and mild, 

To check me, as my mother does, 
When I'm a naughty child. 

But I have felt thee in my thoughts, 

Fighting with sin for me ; 
And when my heart loves God, I know 

The sweetness is from thee. 

Yes ! when I pray, thou prayest too — 

Thy prayer is all for me ; 
But when I sleep, thou sleepest not, 

But watchest patiently. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 121 




Then love me, love me, Angel dear, 
And I will love thee more ; 

And help me when my soul is cast 
Upon the eternal shore. 



— Fr. Faber. 



122 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

Holy Communion. 

Can it be that my God 

Comes down from heaven? 

Makes my heart His abode 
To me is given? 

Yes, yes, within my breast 

Soon shall my Jesus rest; 

Soon shall He be my guest, 
Nor thence be driven. 

Then, O my Jesus, come, 
Come to this dwelling; 

Make my poor heart Thy home, 
Make Thine each feeling. 

Still, still, my blessed God! 

Feed me with this sweet food; 

Still with Thy sacred Blood 
All my wounds healing. 



Grace before Meals. 

Dinner's on the table, 

Children take their place ; 

Each one who is able 
Listens to the grace. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 1 23 

Even little baby 

Folds her tiny hands ; 
See, she listens, — maybe 

She, too, understands. 

THE GRACE. 

" Lord, that givest all things good, 
To whom the ravens look for food, 
Deign to look on us from heaven, 
And bless the food that Thou hast given." 

— Rhyme and Reason. 



A Little Girl's Hymn to the Blessed Virgin. 

Sweet Virgin Mary ! 

Oh ! watch over me ; 
Guide my bark safely 

Through Life's troubled sea. 

And when in sorrow, 

List to my prayer ; 
Cherish me, love me, 

With motherly care. 



124 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 



And should I wander 

From truth and from right, 
Lead me, O Mary ! 

Through Sin's gloomy night. 




Teach me to love Him 

Who died for mankind ; 
Teach me to banish 

Self-love from my mind. 

Be with me, Mother, 
At the hour of death, — 
" Jesus and Mary !" 

Shall be my last breath ! 
—Composed by E. C. D. at the age of ?iine years. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 1 25 




The Guardian Angel to the Little Girls. 



What should a little girl be, friends ? 
What should a little girl be ? 

An innocent child, 

With a heart undeflled, 
And a conscience unspotted and free. 



126 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

Not a mere puppet for show, friends, 
Not a mere puppet for show ; 

With manners as old, 

And spirit as cold 
As a woman of forty or so. 

Not a wild, boisterous girl, friends, — 
A thoughtless and boisterous girl, 

With a rude, bold tread, 

And an empty head, 
And a lip which does nothing but curl. 

But pure should a little girl be, friends, 
A violet shrinking from sight ; 

Like Mary, the meek, 

With a blush on her cheek. 
And the robe of her soul ever white. 

And through the dark winter of life, friends, 
The gloomy and dangerous way, 

The freshness of spring 

Around her will cling, 
Till the gold of her tresses turns gray. 

And then, as a favorite child, friends 
(All failures and frailties forgiven), 

She will fly, without dread, 

To that God who hath said : 
"Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven !" 

— E. C. D. 



OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 1 2 J 




A Child's Evening Prayer. 



Ere on my bed my limbs I lay, 

God grant me grace my prayers to say. 

O God, preserve my mother dear 

In strength and health for many a year ; 

And oh ! preserve my father too, 

And may I pay him reverence due ; 

And may I my best thoughts employ 

To be my parents' hope and joy. 



128 OTHER TINY RHYMES FOR TINY READERS. 

And oh ! preserve my brothers both 
From evil doings and from sloth ; 
And may we always love each other, 
Our friends, our father, and our mother. 
And still, O Lord, to me impart 
An innocent and grateful heart, 
That, after my last sleep, I may 
Awake to Thy eternal day ! 

Amen. 

(Composed by the poet Coleridge for his little daughter ) 

— From Coates' Children's Book of Poetry, 



Morning Hymn for a Little Girl, 

Loving Mother, look, I pray, 
On thy little girl to-day. 
Undefiled and meek, like thee, 
She would ever, ever be. 
Sweet and gentle, pure and mild, 
Ever like thy Holy Child. 





Deacidified using the Bookkeeper proc« 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: Nov. 2007 

PreservationTechnologif 

A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVA1 

111 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
(724) 779-2111 



